Democratic Leaders 'Apologize' To GOP Congressman If They Disrespected Him

The top four Senate Democrats jestingly apologized Thursday to Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) after the congressman said Republicans were not to be "disrespected" and must win something in return for keeping the government open.

"I want to apologize for anything I may have said that disrespected Marlin Stutzman," Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) told reporters at a leadership press availability.

Similar apologies were offered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who then called on Stutzman to stop disrespecting Americans harmed by the shutdown and agree to reopen the government.

Murray offered a "group hug" if it would help console the congressman.

The Democratic leaders brought a poster of Stutzman's quote, as reported by the Washington Examiner. The GOP congressman walked it back on Thursday after it gained widespread attention.